DARLING MOVIE REVIEW

Well begun is half done! Allu Aravind’s Geetha Arts returns and joins hand with KE Gnanavelraja’s Studio Green to introduce composer GV Prakash Kumar as the lead actor in debutant Sam Anton’s ‘Darling’ and the youngsters have begun well, indeed!

 

Though a safe project to bet on, GV Prakash has chosen his launch pad well and has done justice to his character, which is of a weak hearted youngster, who has lost love and given up on his life, but finds later, a better reason to breathe. His minimal expressions, the fear he emotes, dialogue delivery and modulations fit the trend. 

 

Nikki Galrani draws all the flirts and comes out as a decent actress too. Though her character isn’t something we haven’t seen in the recent past, it is a demanding one nevertheless. Galrani takes up the challenge and delivers elegantly.

 

But the main players, who drive the film forward keeping the boredom at bay, are Balasaravanan and Karunas. Their one-liners have great probabilities to join the list of the most popular memes of recent times and their animated expressions tickle hard. Though a crisp one, ‘Naan  Kadavul’ Rajendran makes his appearance very memorable. The English language that struggles out of him is sure to make the audiences get their ribs shattered with laughter.

 

GV Prakash hits the bull’s eye with his songs and background scores too. Krishnan Vasant’s visuals are sharp and his tastes in lights seem impressive. Special mention to editor Ruben, whose cuts are precise and enhance the run. Impressive special effects (‘Naan Kadavul’ Rajendran’s Ghost Rider version is a good instance) and a good work with the sound designing contribute to the film’s technical strength. 

 

Yet, the movie faces some stereotypes. The team hasn’t pushed the boundaries in terms of thrills and chills. They have stuck to the already over-exploited pale faced, dark eyed, brassy and deep throated basic ghost template, which is the lone ‘not much fun’ element in the movie. There are also one or two over-exaggerated dialogues, dramatic acts and the slapsticks that are included purely to make the experience fun. Another down in the movie is a fairly loose first half. But everything is compensated with an air-tight screenplay in the post interval session.  Although the ‘cause’ is justified (on paper) in the climax, its inclusion seems forced.

 

On the whole, Darling is an entertainer and can make an enjoyable Pongal outing for people who enjoy scary teasers.